Christopher Grimes is once again exhibiting his paintings, but this time at the Lighthouse Tea Room. This is, however, an exhibition with a difference. Some months ago when I reviewed his exhibition in the Edinburgh Gallery, I observed a kind of stiffness in his work that is not present in this exhibition.

In the paintings at the Lighthouse Tea Room, Grimes has softened the contours to produce works of a much greater naturalness. There was also a greater use of aerial perspective.

I understand that Mr. Grimes is a regular participant in the Sunday morning plein-air sessions with local landscape painters. Evidently they support and encourage each other; they seem to also have friendly criticisms and suggestions for each other.

In other words, learning and growth seems to be going on among these painters. This exhibition seems to reflect just such growth and development.

The exhibition consists of 18 paintings, eight in watercolour and ten in oils. All the paintings are fairly small in size and all are landscapes.

Unlike the earlier Grimes’ exhibition, however, in this show, the human figure is mostly absent. I saw only one painting with even a hint of a person, but it was quite small and inconspicuous. Although I referred to his earlier use of the human figure as being stick-like, I also commended him for trying to place humans in his landscapes, for most Bermuda landscapists omit the human figure altogether.

This present exhibition appears to have been painted on location, where people have not been a part of the scene in front of him, thus their absence is understandable.

Many of his paintings depict either Ely’s Harbour or Jews Bay and both locations are notably picturesque.

The use of watercolour by Mr. Grimes, seems to be a new endeavour. At least I do not remember him employing this medium before. Whatever the case, his watercolours are remarkably accomplished and for anyone who has ever tried to paint with watercolours, knows, they are quite demanding and notably unforgiving with little latitude for mistakes.

I understand though, that one of the regulars in the plein-air group is Chris Marson who is a master with this medium. It seems that something of Marson’s approach to watercolour has influenced Mr. Grimes.

The exhibition continues through the end of March.